Melbourne Police Give Tips On How to Safely Dispose of Unneeded Prescription Medications

majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends

Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose. (Melbourne Police Department image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose.

According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

It’s important to safely dispose of any prescription medications that have expired or that you no longer need. However, it’s not safe to throw them in the trash or to flush them down the toilet or sink – this can be harmful to the environment.

Instead take them to one of the many medication disposal locations in Brevard County: